Is no one biting on Briggs?

The Bucs had been linked to Pro Bowler Lance Briggs on Friday, with some suggesting the Bucs were arranging a visit for the Chicago free-agent linebacker.

At this point, we're convinced there was never anything to it. What's more, there may not be much going on with Briggs, period.

In fact, it's plausible that's how the rumors began in the first place, as Briggs' camp tried to drum up interest in the player. With all the big-name free agents who were pursued heavily on the first day of free agency, we've yet to hear anything of substance about Briggs.

This is similar to the situation Cato June found himself in last season when he, too, was a former Pro Bowl linebacker who didn't generate nearly as much interest as predicted. The Bucs benefited and were able to get him at a reduced price a couple weeks into free agency.

Maybe it has something to do with both being Tampa 2 linebackers: they're very valuable within the scheme, but maybe less in demand for teams that don't run the same system. Whatever the case, doesn't look like there's anything going on with Briggs and the Bucs.

Comments

[Anthony Gironda]

He's right there for the taking!!!! Lets go for him while there's still time. He could be another successor to Derrick Brooks when he retires. Think about it: Future LBs are Briggs, June & Rudd - would you miss it? SIGN HIM!!! SIGN HIM!!!

[Jay]

Doesn't Cato play WLB too? I know he and Derrick rotated throughout the year.

[Stephen Holder]

Jay... Cato actually played the weakside. They rotated on passing downs only. But Cato's natural position is WLB, too. Same for Briggs.

[Chris]

The one thing you have to consider is the character argument... Do you want a guy with that kind of history? He may be a great player, but also a potential problem in the locker room/off the field. The bucs seem to have pretty good team chemistry right now, why risk tampering with it?

[ryan callahan]

im on the fence with this one. on one side we can get a pro-bowler who can be a part of the defense when brooks retires. on the other side, he isnt exactly the most friendly guy, and that would mean either less playing time for brooks or june.

[Kurt]

Let's be pragmatic shall we? Briggs didn't even have as many tackles as DB last year. I don't see what we need in a bum who takes no responsibility (excuse me; lies about his actions,) and can't even tackle as many people as our 11th year veteran who is sharing time with his understudy? Am I missing something here? We need an Al Singleton clone and we'll be fine (actually already are fine / Antoine Cash) at SLB. June will spell Brooks over the next couple of years and we have a stallwart in the middle again. At least June has a bit of dignity; hopefully that is.

[jason]

Is there any chance Trotter comes back????